Lisa Chambers (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I have one more question. Senator Gallagher has joined us in the committee room because the technology is not working and we will take a question from him. Senator Wall sent me a question because again the technology is not working.

You mentioned the word "trust" at the end of your comments, which leads on to my next question. We have just discussed the state of the current negotiations. What is the state of the current relationship between the Irish Government and the UK Government? While Lord Frost's negotiating tactics might be considered to have been quite effective, they have left a sour taste in the mouths of many people in Ireland and indeed in Europe. The consistent threat to trigger Article 16 and to undermine years of negotiation and work, to the detriment of people on this island, North and South, has been a regrettable way for the UK team to be doing business. There is a considerable body of work there for us now to try to rebuild those relationships, because they are quite strained. What is the level of engagement now between Ministers and their UK counterparts? What is that relationship is currently?

I will read Senator Wall's questions. You mentioned seizing momentum in your opening remarks, so what are the next steps? What supports are in place to deal with Irish exports and UK tariffs?

Senator Gallagher, I invite you to ask your questions. We will then go back to the Minister, because we are tight on time.